Meet the Rebu project team

Gabriel Buttram

Gabe is the "Local Regional Program Coordinator" for Trees for the Future in Ethiopia. Gabe received a dual Master's degree from American University and the UN University for Peace in Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Development. Prior to that, he spent two years as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, working to promote agroforestry and sustainable agriculture.

Bedru Sultan

Bedru is a founding member of Greener Ethiopia, Trees for the Future's partner in Ethiopia. He has a solid background in economic development and emergency planning and administration. He also has significant experience working in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. Bedru is a board member of both Trees for the Future and Greener Ethiopia. Based primarily in Ethiopia, he is integral in communicating with and motivating communities to act.

Dr. Yigezu Shimeles

Dr. Shimeles is a founding member of Greener Ethiopia and has been a technician for Trees for the Future. He has also chaired the Gurage Development Association for the past seven years. Dr. Shimeles has significant experience working with the people of Ethiopia to promote and implement more sustainable land-use practices.

Johannes Legesse

Jon is an administrator for Greener Ethiopia. He has been working with them for two years. Prior to working with Greener Ethiopia, he spent twenty years working with Children's Amba, a training center with a large agroforestry and agriculture focus.

Merkabo

Merkabo is an agroforestry technician based in Welkite, Ethiopia, about 7 kilometers south of the Rebu area. Merkabo worked for the Ministry of Agriculture for the past 25 years. After retiring, he joined Greener Ethiopia and Trees for the Future, bringing a wealth of agroforestry and agricultural knowledge with him.